I just finished reading this story.
That girl was a total idiot to think she was going to be able to get away with this. One thing to be able to sneak away for a weekend within the domestic US. Another thing to be gone for a 2 week vacation with friends??? And why the hell didn't her mother check with the friend's family before the supposed vacation? I sure as hell know that if my kid was invited to go to on a 2 week vacation with his friend's family, I'd be meeting with the parents, getting the itinerary and everything beforehand. I wouldn't just meet up with them at the bus stop! Seriously, that was just lax parenting.